Reclaim Check

We at K2 love to see reclaimed wood covering the floors and walls of the chicest homes and restaurants–adding instant history to ultra-modern spaces and artisan cred to eclectic design schemes. But it is in furniture that these hard-won scraps can be transformed into works of art. Ariele Alasko is a Brooklyn-based builder who has blown us away with her passion for making and her intricately patterned tables, headboards and accessories. We first came across Alasko’s work at the Maker’s Project, an inspirational showcase of independent artists and makers from a broad range of disciplines created by photographer Jennifer Causey.  Ariele records her creative process on her own blog with stunning photos of her materials, workspace and finished pieces along with stories of “prospecting” in abandoned buildings and derelict barns. We wish this up-and-coming artist the very best and highly recommend a tetanus booster to all who bravely seek free wood in questionable places.

All photos by Ariele Alasko from http://brooklyntowest.blogspot.com

Itching for Etching

Heath Ceramics newest collaboration with Alabama Chanin textiles is one that is sure to fly off the shelves. The new collection of ceramics, organic tablecloths, napkins and placemats are so understated and beautiful—each piece fits in perfectly within the company’s aesthetic. What is perhaps more interesting is the unique “etching” technique that is used to create the pattern onto the ceramics themselves. Closely related to the  “sgraffito technique used to decorate walls since the Classical era” says the New York Times, a white glaze is sprayed over a colored base coat, an artist then scratches through the top layer with a metal point, exposing the color below. The result, a made in America artisanal product we can’t wait to get our hands on.

(Image courtesy of Spencer Higgins/NYT)

Time Travel

A sliver of a space has opened up in NYC’s lower East side displaying beautiful artisan watches, like none you’ve seen before. The Orchard Street outpost is Japanese brand Dedegumo’s, first shop outside of Kyoto. Upon stepping inside you will find etched, engraved and textured one-of-a-kind timepieces all made in-house and completely customizable to your liking. We just can’t get enough of the unique displays in terrariums, beautifully wrapped boxes and small scale appeal of each watch. Sure to be collectors’ items, visit Dedegumo at 188 Orchard street if you’re in the area.

(images courtesy of Racked)

Rebel Rauser

While the intricacies of handmade floor coverings have been around for centuries, the Texas based design firm Rauser is changing the game with their “Redeploy Rug”.

Designed by Rebekah Rauser, the 100% wool creation takes its inspiration from Russian army blankets: the pattern is hand stitched and the tubular design is then stuffed with wool-blend army surplus blankets. A commentary on the times? Perhaps. A beautiful design with a unique concept and organic materials – we think so!

Rauser’s rug was also just featured in the final round of Apartment Therapy’s 2009 Design Showcase.

Deck The Walls

While it may seem incredibly too soon to think about Christmas, it’s never too soon to think about how we’ll be stepping out of the box this winter and veering away from the overused clichés of the holiday season.

Wreaths may bring to mind Charles Dickens and your grandma’s house, but we’re here to tell you that customizing the traditional accessory might just be the way to go. Plus: how could we resist a wreath in the shape of a K?! Try mixing up the materials, shape and size. How about using stripped tin with a few rough cut diamonds thrown in there? Now we’re talking…

Images courtesy of Design*Sponge.

Fast Talk

Fast Talk from Alicia D. Keshishian features playful swirls of color on an ever-evolving background; circular and squiggly lines layer together to provide a sense of complexity to this overall clean and modern design. The Persimmon colorway consists of a vivid orange ground beautifully contrasted with multiple shades of green and deeper shades of orange and brown.

100% hand-carded, hand-spun, Tibetan wool; all wool is dyed-in-the-raw, so the gradual color transitions in the background are achieved through expert weaving, not through simply dyeing after the fact. RugMark certified.

Song Collection from B. Mori

B. Mori & Co. brings the ingenuity and artistic innovation of China’s distinguished Song Dynasty to their latest wallcovering collection. This collection captures the creativity and imagination of its namesake in all thirty-one of its refined and elegant patterns.

Each B. Mori wallcovering is hand crafted from 100% silk before being hand-painted as a mural to exact specifications, so there are no repeats and each piece is distinct.In addition, B. Mori offers an innovative custom program that allows your creativity to flourish throughout the process, from design concept to installation. Within an intimate, boutique-like atmosphere, you will work directly with designers, artisans, and staff to actualize your own vision.